Boxes.

When you move the boxes seem endless. Having boxes full of little things, that comprise your physical life on earth is a very thought provoking time. A precious friend told me she " Found moving to not just be a physical journey from one place to another, but a spiritual journey." I couldn't agree more.

While packing I came across so many random things. There was SO much freedom in throwing things away, or giving it away. One thing that really sticks out in my mind though was a piece of note book paper. My husband had written on before we got married. It was a list of "ideals". Not his own, but rather, what should have been his "ideals",encouraged by other people.

 Interesting how the word Ideals, and the word Idols are so similar.
Ideals:

1. A person or thing regarded as perfect: "you're my ideal of a man".
2. A standard of perfection; a principle to be aimed at: "tolerance and freedom, the liberal ideals".

Idol:

An image or representation of a god used as an object of worship. A person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered: "movie idol Robert Redford".

When wanting something in life, are we wanting it because it's what God would want? Or do we want it because it serves a selfish purpose, that can turn into an idol.

 I'm not talking like a totem pole, that you bow to daily. I'm talking about the ideal life. Big house, nice cars, 401K, summer home. Or how about, kids with strait A's, top of their class, "pillars" of the church, head of the Elder board, or Deacon board.

None of those things are bad things. But, what is driving you to want those things.

I suppose I'd be considered radical. But, packing all of my possessions in boxes made me realize something. It's just stuff. And those titles, are just that. Titles. The only thing that really matters is what we do for eternity. Like the daily life stuff. Loving un-lovable people, serving without wanting anything in return. It's not that we don't strive to do our best, it's that we do it with the mindset that we are doing our best for God.

Not for the approval of other people.

Tossing that little piece of notebook paper in the trash was so freeing. Why? Because the boy that wrote that list of "ideals", is not the man I am married to now.
Why? Because God has transformed His heart, and My heart. I am ever so thankful.

We haven't arrived, that's for sure. But that's part of the journey. To remain humble. Daily surrendering yourself to God, putting on His armor and walking in full confidence of the Grace He provides.

We don't fit into the "typical" box anymore. And I'm glad. I like words like transformed, radical, abandoned. Most of all, Saved by Grace. So with a spring in my step, and a lot of laughter, I threw that notebook paper away. And shouted a "Praise You Jesus!". It's all because of Him!

While unpacking the many boxes in our house, I thought about how I've put God in a box. It was pretty, and I used it every Sunday. Then put it back. When life got hard I'd go back to it. It's easy to do. We get wrapped up in the "Ideals",or "Idols" that we tend to compartmentalize our entire lives.

I'm thankful that God shook up my life, and unearthed all of my compartments. The last few years have been the hardest of my life. I've realized my daily,err,hourly. Minute by minute need for my Savior.

I couldn't help but think of this song while unpacking. Though it's not a "Christian group". The message is still powerful.


I don't want to raise the next generation of "little box people". I hope they create their lives on the standard of what does Christ want me to do. Then go after it with full abandon all the while radically serving and loving other people.

Moving...etc.

I've had many ask me why we moved. What were the events that made us decide this was the best for our family. I've had some time to gather my thoughts, and a book I've been reading has helped me clarify and realize the bigger picture and how I can best share that with all of you. I love these pictures, and thought that I'd share them with you. It's our sweet Elliott "driving" a friends Antique truck. They SO capture his personality. They were very impromptu pictures, and those often become my favorites.

My husband had been un-employed for nearly two years. Getting odd jobs here and there, continuing to do website design and development from home. But never getting offered anything with benefits, that was full time. We had been praying, and thought it wise that he apply anywhere and everywhere. In the fall of 2011 he started to apply for jobs in Georgia. We never heard back from any of them. In April he began a seasonal job. Not ideal, hardly made enough to support us. But, it was something. He continued to look and apply other places. He was offered a job at an asphault company. Still, a seasonal position. But he'd be making more, and decided he'd take it and work as many hours as they would let him. First he had to get his CDL and go through all of those qualifications. He put his resignation in at the landscaping company and his last day was the Friday before Mother's Day. On Saturday morning, he got a phone call from the company in Georgia that he applied with in the fall. They informed him that they had an opening, and wanted to interview him. He was to start at the asphault company after he got his CDL, and would  have a week between jobs We prayed about it, and decided we had the money to get him down to Georgia for an interview. It was the first full time job,with benefits that he had been offered in 2 years. So, Saturday we picked up a rental car, and I packed all of his clothing. Yes. All of it. While reading and praying Saturday I felt like the Lord kept prompting my heart. I felt like He was asking me "Do you Trust Me?". I also felt like he was telling me to "Step out in Faith". I asked the Lord to do two things, to show me this was His will. First, to have the company offer him the job in the interview. and Second, to have him start asap. In the back of my mind I  thought "It won't happen."...but then God would ask me "Do you Trust Me?" and to "Step out in faith". So I stayed up until the early morning hours packing all of Brandon's things. When he woke up to leave, I'm pretty sure he thought I was crazy. I just knew he would need it. He wasn't convinced.

On Monday morning he went to the interview. It went well, they offered him a fairly decent package,and then offered him the job. In the interview, and wanted him to start asap. As he was walking out of the interview, his phone rang. It was another company that he had applied with in Georgia, six months prior. They told him they now had an opening, and wanted to interview him.

It's as though God said "I'll do one better, I'll have two jobs offered to him."

Brandon interviewed with the second company. They offered him the job, in the interview. With benefits. And offered a higher pay package, with bonus'. And wanted him to start asap.

Clearly. God was ALL over this. He went above and beyond answering my requests.
 Next came finding a house. I flew down to Georgia over Memorial Day weekend. We drove around alot, and looked at many houses. My brother and his wife live in Georgia. So I really wanted to be in close proximity to them. Everything we looked at was at least 20 minutes from them. And all the houses went SO fast. We live in a military town. As soon as a house would become available, we would call to see it. Never failed someone signed a lease before they'd even seen the house. The day after I flew home. My sister in law saw the neighbors putting a for rent sign in their yard. The house was going to be available in about a month, and yes, it's literally right next door to my brother and his wife. We jumped on it.

Brandon looked at it. It was 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms,open concept floor plan. Really everything we could want or need. Had a huge fenced in back yard and was in our price range. And did I mention RIGHT NEXT DOOR to my brother his wife and my adorable nephew and niece?!?

Again. All God. I couldn't help but feel like God was saying to me "See, you stepped out in faith, you trusted Me. I answered. Quit putting Me in a box, I'm faithful!" I've been soooo humbled through this entire process.

We have been here for two weeks. It's home. We chose to move, because God showed himself faithful in the little details. We have a handful of things that are very important to our family. Such as me staying home with our Children, educating them at home. My husbands new job allow's for those things to continue. We are thankful for that. Sure, it comes with sacrifices. Leaving family and friends, selling most of our possessions,  leaving our church family. It's been hard. But, again, God has proven himself faithful in the littlest details.

I've been reading a book, that I really think everyone should read. If you have moved, or know someone who has, or maybe just as a way to better relate to someone who is moving. I found it at our local public library. (Another thing that is totally awesome about our new home town! We have an amazing library!)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1558323430/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img

And as for our Elliott. He is doing okay. We'd covet your prayers as we are in the throws of transferring all of his medical care here. There has been some  insurance hang ups, that would be ever so nice to get figured out. Soon. Plus, meeting new Doctors etc is never fun. He has not had fevers, but has a rash all over his body that we can't figure out. The seizure medications have been working, for that we are thankful. Pray that the doctors can get to the bottom of the rash over his body, and the lethargy he faces on a daily basis.
Thank you friends!

Official...

Yesterday I had a hot date with my husband. We did really romantic things, like put the electric in both of our names. Then, we had pictures taken together....for new drivers licence. They look more like mug shots. Then we got a better deal on car insurance. Gotta love saving money on that! We did manage to have a yummy lunch together. After taking nearly three hours just to do those things, I was rather grouchy and starving. A huge thanks to my sister in law who watched our kids so we could go on our romantic outing. While sitting at the BMV forever, and listening to a small child scream his head off. I thought "Man,I'm so glad we have family here, so we didn't have to drag our kids along with us!". I wanted to scream my head off there...I can't imagine how horrible it had to be for that poor little kid! After lunch we picked the kids up and took them to the library. We all got library cards. Seriously, my kids were SO excited! First of all, the library is HUGE and brand new. The children's librarian gave the kids a tour, and she was just the sweetest. Dressed in typical awesome librarian fashion, with her polka dot navy blue dress and white doily collar and brown tortoise shell glasses. She was ever so excited to show the children around while  I filled out paper work for their cards. I was excited such a sweet lady is the librarian, she for sure will be a favorite person to visit for my children. She hosts a home school reading program once a week. We signed ourselves up. Who knows, I might just have to pull out some leather book straps, vests,knee socks,and apples and do our back to school pictures at the library! :) We will no doubt be frequent visitors. Today, we are going on a bike ride. Gotta scope out our huge neighborhood. I'll take the video camera along. Maybe we'll see the huge snake that's claimed my sister in laws yard as it's territory. But I really  hope not. I sure am loving seeing my family on a daily basis. The other night we had a delicious dinner with my brother's family. Was so nice to sit around a table with him and talk. I've missed that. Well, I'm off to make memories with my kiddos today. I've gotten all of the CD's edited and mailed out, and now can sit back and relax! Well, and paint and unpack. But that's relaxing to me!

Sneak Peek #6

Love these sweet siblings. We had fun taking pictures in the park, and love catching glimpses of just how much they love each other. ;)

Sneak Peek #4

These kids are SO photogenic. I loved working with them, and their mom is SO sweet! She even brought me a drink, it was SO hot the day we were shooting. A huge thank you to them for their patience and being so much fun to work with!

Sneak Peek #5

These two are hilarious! I've known them since before they were born. They are some of my kiddos closest friends. And we love them dearly. Some of these pictures made me laugh out loud. I just love it when I get a glimpse of a child's true personality in a photo. :)

Sneak Peek #3

I am so excited for this cute couple. I've known Andy a long time, and Ashley is just the perfect person for him. His family is like our adopted family. We love them dearly, and we wish them all the happiness in the world as they begin a new adventure as husband and wife! 

~ I LOVE THESE PICTURES!!!~

Sneak Peek Preview #2

Love these pictures! I really do love watching families grow and change. :)

Mini Session Preview #1

Here are a few of my favorite shots from my farewell mini sessions. A HUGE thank-you to the many clients who came out for this event. In the heat and rain no less. I had so much fun with all of you, and it was so great to say goodbye to you. I will be coming back to visit and when I do, I'll make sure to offer mini sessions again! 

Chaos

Yes. That word accurately describes the last 2 months. Having a sick child, a husband working across the country, packing and moving by myself. With four kids in tow. It's been chaotic.

I've been enjoying a week of just being together. No doctors appointments. No schedule. Just us. and lot's of boxes. Just knowing we are here. Together. Makes everything better.

The chaos is always in existence with four kids running around the house. Currently they are racing matchbox cars on the kitchen table. All are making "car sounds". The volume is LOUD. I love it. Sure, there's times when I feel like my ear drums may burst. But at the same time I feel like my heart could too.

This is normal. Just being together as a family. When you've had months of anything but normal activity. These moments are what I longed for. Hearing brothers play together. While their sister plays quietly in her room with her american girl dolls. Dogs nap in the sunshine pouring in through the window. All the while the hum of the refrigerator is in the background. Reminding me that God is SO good, that refrigerator was a steal of a deal on craigslist, and it's the nicest one I've ever owned. After almost ten years of marriage I have a fridge with an ice maker and water filter. It's the simple things that make this mamma's heart happy. Oh, and did I mention we have a garbage disposal and dish washer? Who knew that cooking and cleaning could be SO enjoyable in a functioning kitchen,with room to move around!?!? I may have danced around the kitchen yesterday to this song. (Video produced by my brother's company,they have mad skills)




Yep. Home. It's nice to be in our new home. If you come to visit you'll notice we don't have much in the way of furniture yet. I've made the decision that I won't buy anything that I don't love. So, we maybe sitting Chinese style on the ground for a while. But, It's fun! It's like traveling the world...or camping. Whatever is your favorite pastime of choice. I am so enjoying our time together, and though it's always crazy around here, it's not nearly as chaotic as it was. I'm editing photos,and getting ready to post sneak peeks! :)
Prepare for A.LOT. of pictures!

Micah turns 2

We are missing this little cutie. This little guy came to our house three days a week to play. We had so much fun with him. He always made us laugh, and my kids loved having a little guy to look after. I took these photos one afternoon when he was at our house. Not a week later he fell, and skinned his face up. 

SO glad we did pictures when we did! 

We love and miss you Micah! Hope your 2nd birthday was a blast!